From ASB to the Arctic

Sofia Nogués has always felt at home at ASB. She spent her entire school life here, from PK3 through Grade 12, and today she's back as a parent, hoping her own children get the same experience she did: an international community, teachers who leave a lasting impression, and friendships that span the globe. She still remembers Ms. Christina Torrengo, now our ECC Principal, as one of those teachers.

This summer, though, Sofia is taking things a little further north than Barcelona.

She has been selected to join eXXpedition, an all-women sailing team, on a voyage through the Arctic from Ilulissat to Nuuk. The mission is scientific and urgent: to research microplastics in our seas and oceans and better understand where this pollution is coming from and what we can do about it. It is not Sofia's first time on board. In 2019, she sailed with the team from Aruba to Panama, an experience she describes as transformative.

"It was an amazing experience. As part of my learning, I gave presentations, media talks, and community outreach to raise awareness about this issue." That passion for sharing what she has learned has already made its way into ASB. Just last week, Sofia joined her child's class to make art using microplastics collected from the ocean, a hands-on way of bringing a big issue down to size.

For Sofia, this work is deeply personal.

"I've been sailing since I was six, and growing up by the Mediterranean, the sea has always been part of my life. But over the years, I've witnessed a visible increase in plastic pollution, something that is now impossible to ignore." She hopes the expedition helps shed light on a threat that too often goes unseen. "Microplastics absorb toxins and enter the food chain, impacting marine life and, ultimately, human health. Our mission is to help uncover the source of this pollution and what we can do about it."

We are so proud to see ASB alumni out in the world doing work that matters. The ASB community is with you every nautical mile, Sofia! We cannot wait to learn more from your expedition.

Find our more about eXXpedition, visit exxpedition.com. To support Sofia's voyage, you can contribute at gofund.me/0a5b6914e. To take part, each crew member must fund their place, so every contribution counts!